Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
As anticipation builds for the inaugural Miss Ebony Zimbabwe pageant, set to take place on March 28 in Harare, contestants are eagerly preparing to claim the prestigious title of the first-ever queen. Among these passionate participants is Bulawayo-based rookie model, Samukele Sukoluhle Dlamini, who is determined to make her debut memorable.
Dlamini, who views this pageant as a pivotal moment in her life, said: “I never imagined that one day I’d become a model. However, growing up, people often called me ‘Miss Zimbabwe’ because of my beauty. Their confidence in me gave me the courage to embrace what they saw in me. They pushed me toward this path, and I accepted the challenge because I don’t want to look back one day with regret over missed opportunities.”
“This has been my motivation to be part of the Miss Ebony Zimbabwe pageant in Zimbabwe. It’s scary sometimes, but I’m there to win it all because you are not living if you are not doing the scary things,” she shared with Chronicle Showbiz.
This journey marks her first foray into pageantry, having started professional modelling training only last April.
The Bulawayo Polytechnic student, who is signed with Infinity Management, believes the pageant aligns perfectly with her advocacy for women’s empowerment. She is actively giving back to her community by collaborating with the Anglican Church on its “Meals on Wheels” food programme, which provides meals to the homeless in Nkulumane.
“That’s my way of giving back to the community. This aligns well with the pageant since it’s not just about beauty, but also about helping the less fortunate,” she said.
The inaugural Miss Ebony Zimbabwe pageant promises to be more than just a beauty contest as it will be a celebration of culture, heritage, diversity, unity, and empowerment. With the theme “Empowering through Diversity”, the pageant aims to showcase the intelligence, talent, and strength of Zimbabwean women while providing a platform for advocacy and leadership.
“Contestants will represent various backgrounds, using their voices to champion social causes that impact communities in Zimbabwe and beyond,” event organisers said.
A seven-day bootcamp will be conducted in the bush, where participants will undergo rigorous training focused on cultural and leadership development. This bootcamp will include survival training, farming, bush walks, and traditional skills to connect contestants with the land.
In a significant departure from traditional pageantry, Miss Ebony Zimbabwe will replace the swimwear segment with a farm-inspired fashion showcase, designed by Ivhu Tribe. This segment aims to highlight Zimbabwe’s rural heritage while celebrating creativity and sustainability.
The eventual winner will represent Zimbabwe on a Pan-African platform in Johannesburg, promoting a message of decolonised beauty and empowerment across Africa.
Other contestants are Chengeto Kanyai (Hurungwe), Noxolo Dube (Bulawayo), Abigail Chinembiri (Bulawayo), Sinokubonga Nkala (Bulawayo), Rejoice Kazingizi (Harare), Courtney Mpofu (Gweru), Blessmore Tombe (Harare), Lerato Masocha (Masvingo), Tanaka Nhamo (Chitungwiza), Ruvimbo Ndoro (Harare), Margaret Mangowe (Bikita), Samukele Dlamini (Bulawayo), Blessing Gwanzura (Harare), Buhlebenkosi Chimpevu (Bulawayo), Sijabulile Msimanga (Harare), Anesu Shoko (Harare), Zandile Sibanda (Harare), Tinomudaishe Makumire (Masvingo), Shylet Chiware (Harare), Rutendo Mupararano (Marondera), and Daphney Mashoko (Harare). – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
